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Need to Know: Sony PlayStation VR

VR is officially bigger than huge at the moment, so we sent BEN CARMICHAEL out to get the good oil on the PlayStation VR.

Price

PlayStation VR will set you back $630, but see below for the hidden surprise.

You Need More Than Just The PSVR Unit

PSVR will only work if you have the PlayStation 4 Camera, which may surprise some because it is not included with the PSVR unit. The PlayStation 4 V2 Eye Camera will set you back an additional $100, but it’s essential unless you plan on just putting the headset on to look cool.

You Need Move Controllers Too

I’m working on the assumption that everyone knows that you need a PS4 console here, so once you have the PSVR unit and camera, you are all set to experience VR. All games will work with your DualShock 4 controller, but if you want to get fully immersed, then you’ll need to buy Move Controllers. Not all games support move controllers, but the ones that do use them for things like shooting, and make the whole VR experience feel more natural. Each Move controller will set you back another $78.

Start By Playing In Short Bursts

PSVR is a wonderfully immersive experience, but there is a chance you may feel some motion sickness, especially when playing fast-moving games like Driveclub VR, RIGS or Battlezone. To get your body used to the feeling of moving rapidly when you are sedentary the best piece of advice I can offer is start by playing in short bursts of about half an hour. Build up to lengthy sessions so that your body can adjust to VR. Games like Until Dawn: Rush Of Blood will give the same feeling you’d get on a rollercoaster at times, but I was able to play that for four hours solid without discomfort.

There’s Lots Of Games Available

Now that PSVR has launched there is going to be some 50 odd titles available very quickly after launch. Whether you’re into racing games, shooting games or just general light VR experiences there will be a game for you, and the prices range from around $15 through to $105. BEN CARMICHAEL

One of NZ's most well-regarded music writer/reviewer/editors, Gary Steel has been penning his pungent prose for close to 40 years for publications too numerous to mention. He is currently Metro magazine's music writer, and Witchdoctor's Music Editor (and co-publisher). He has strong opinions and remains unrepentant. Steel's full bio can be found here